TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Tyffany Neal, MPA, Transit Director
DATE: April 7, 2025
RE:
Title
FAST Title VI Survey - Fare/Service Equity Analysis
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to receive a report on the results of the Fayetteville Area System of Transit’s (FAST) Title VI survey and the associated fare and service equity analysis, including recommendations.
The Title VI survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness and compliance of FAST with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This survey aimed to gather data from the community members, to evaluate the organization’s adherence to non-discrimination principles and identify any potential barriers to equitable access to services.
Background:
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1b provides recipients of FTA financial assistance with guidance and instructions necessary to carry out U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Title VI regulations (49 CFR part 21). This circular clarifies that transit providers that operate 50 or more fixed route vehicles in peak service and are located in an urbanized area (UZA) of 200,000 or more in population are required to evaluate the equity of any fare and/or major service changes. While FAST falls below the threshold of 50 or more fixed route vehicles operating in peak service and is not required, by Circular, to conduct a formal Title VI analysis, a fare/service equity analysis was identified (as a result of its most recent Triennial Review) as a priority for FAST to understand the potential impacts any modifications in fares or service could have on its current ridership.
This 2025 Fare/Service Equity Analysis analyzed information obtained from a representative sample of FAST passengers, minority and non-minority, of various incomes regarding their travel patterns, usage, characteristics and demographics. The analysis also provides clarity regarding the varied impacts of route and fare changes to populations served by different routes.
Issues/Analysis:
The analysis was divided into five (5) tasks for review:
1. Onboard Survey Results - Feedback received from FAST customers regarding the current fares and services provided
2. Demographic and Socio-Economic Analysis - Data regarding the make-up of FAST’s current customer-base as well as 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) census data
3. Fare Media Assessment - Assessment of FAST’s current fare media and potential future options
4. Fare Structure Analysis - Analysis of FAST’s current fare structure, Fare Recovery Policy Goal and potential future revenue increases
5. Service Change and Route Modification Analysis - Analysis of FAST’s current (5) lowest ridership routes (and potential modifications) and schedules for the (3) most under-utilized (lowest ridership) holidays
Budget Impact:
None.
Options:
1. Receive the report and direct staff to implement the recommended changes.
2. Receive the report and direct staff to not implement the recommended changes.
3. Do not receive the report and provide additional direction to staff.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that Council move to receive the report and direct staff implement the recommended changes.
Attachments:
Onboard Survey Results - 2024
Fare Structure Analysis - 2024
Fare/Service Equity Presentation
Fare Media Structure Analysis